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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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The armed man who entered the secured perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and was killed on Sunday morning by Secret Service agents has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin.
The FBI confirmed Martin, who comes from Moore County in North Carolina, as the person "from this morning's officer-involved shooting incident" at Mar-a-Lago in an email to Newsweek, adding that no additional information could be provided at this time.
Newsweek reached out to the Secret Service for comment, but the agency referred all questions to the FBI.
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The Context
Trump has been the target of multiple attempts on his life since he campaigned in 2024 to return to the White House: Thomas Crooks, 20, shot Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024 where he clipped Trump's ear before a Secret Service counter sniper fatally shot him; and Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested after taking up a position with a rifle near Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach as he was playing in September 2024.
The country has continued to grapple with violence in an increasingly polarizing political landscape, especially following the assassinations of Minnesota Democrat state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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What To Know
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi on Sunday reported that an armed man was shot and killed after entering the secure perimeter of Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago estate in Florida at around 1:30 a.m.
After entering near the north gate of the property, the man was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputy, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Martin was carrying a gas can and a shotgun, for which authorities discovered a box for the weapon in his vehicle after the incident. The agents ordered Martin to drop the equipment he was carrying, and after he raised his shotgun "to a shooting position," the agents and deputy "fired their weapons to neutralize the threat."
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Trump, who is known to often spend the weekend at his Florida home, was at the White House at the time. First lady Melania Trump was also in Washington in the early hours of Sunday.
The FBI asked residents who live near Mar-a-Lago to check any security cameras they may have for footage that could help investigators.
The AP reported that Martin's family had reported him missing a few days ago and that by Sunday afternoon vehicles blocked the entrance to a property listed in public records as an address for Martin at the end of a private road in Cameron, North Carolina.
Martin’s cousin, Braeden Fields, described the 21-year-old to the AP as quiet, afraid of guns and from a family of avid Trump supporters.
“I wouldn’t believe he would do something like this. It’s mind-blowing,” Fields said, adding that Martin worked at a local golf course and would send money from each paycheck to charity.
“He wouldn’t even hurt an ant. He doesn’t even know how to use a gun,” he said. “We are big Trump supporters, all of us. Everybody,” adding that Martin “never really talked about anything.”
What People Are Saying
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: "FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working closely with [the Secret Service] as well our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able."
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X: "I have been speaking with President Trump and coordinating with our federal partners throughout the morning regarding the intrusion and shooting at Mar-A-Lago. Grateful that @potus and our law enforcement agents are safe."
Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X: "An armed man was shot & killed by U.S. Secret Service agents & [Palm Beach] County Sheriff after unlawfully entering the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early this morning. A press briefing with additional details will be held at 9:00 a.m. with FBI and Palm Beach County."
What Happens Next
The investigation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 2/22/26, 3:52 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 2/22/26, 1:46 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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